ICC Women’s World Cup: India ready for Final vs England at Lord’s

Derby: An all-round performance by India beat Australia by 36 runs in the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup, on Thursday, at Derby. Disciplined bowling by India did not let the Australians free their arms in the beginning of the innings as they lost wickets at regular intervals.

However, Elyse Villani (75) and Alex Blackwell (90) played beautifully but failed to provide enough resistance. For India, Jhulan Goswami finished with figures of 2 for 35 from her eight overs. India will meet England in the final of the tournament on July 23. Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 171 off 115 balls, was adjudged the player of the match.

India captain Mithali Raj has warned England not to expect an easy contest when they come up against her side in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.

“As a team we are all very excited to be part of the final,” said Raj, reflecting on India reaching their first World Cup final since 2005.

Captain Mithali Raj has challenged her side to launch the female game into a new era with a win over England in Sunday’s decider at Lord’s.